President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has reiterated her government’s satisfaction with the commitment the United States has made toward government’s development programs.

	• Pres. Sirleaf turning over keys of vehicles to SSS Director, Victor helb

United States commitment, the President noted, is spread across all levels of the country’s development pillars, including peace and security. Government’s responsibility, the Liberian leader said, is to ensure that resources provided by the United States are used properly for the benefit of the people.

An Executive Mansion release says the Liberian President was speaking over the weekend, when she received the keys for 18-vehicles provided by the government of the United States for use by the Presidential guard, the Special Security Service (SSS).

The President praised the United States government for the support that country continues to provide for the country’s recovery program. She made particular mention of the training the United States has provided for the Special Security Service and pointed out that government will continue to support the SSS into a more professional body.

At a handover ceremony Saturday, the Charge d’Affaires at the U.S. embassy, Madam Brooks Robinson, said the vehicles, all brand new, are worth more than US $6-hundred thousand. The contribution, the US embassy official said is part of her government’s support to the SSS. 

Madam Robinson disclosed that the United States government is providing another US $1-million worth of computers, uniforms, medical equipment, and security equipment, in addition to the US $5 million the United States is providing the SSS in equipment, supplies, and training.

Director of the Special Security Service, Mr. Victor Helb, lauded the President for her support for the Service.  Mr. Helb said the contribution the United States has provided for the SSS is in direct response to the President’s appeal for assistance by the country’s partners. 

He assured the President and the government of the United States, that the vehicles will be used properly to enhance the work of the SSS. A 30-seater bus also donated by the US government is to follow shortly to increase the fleet of SSS vehicles.

March Consultations Scheduled with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Re: Amended Investment Incentives Act of 1973)

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf withdrew the Amendment of the Investment Incentives Act of 1973 in order to hold more public consultations with a series of stakeholders from the business community, private sector, academic institutions, members of the press, and civil society representatives.

Consultations are scheduled during the month of March in order to present the merits of the Amended Act, which aims at ensuring an equitable business environment while empowering Liberian businesses.

Because government is committed to fostering dialogue, thereby opening up the democratic space, consultations are also being held to solicit constructive suggestions for improving the Act for resubmission to the Legislature.

The Ministry of State, in collaboration with various government agencies such as the National Investment Commission (NIC), is spearheading newer rounds of consultations beginning with representatives from the business community (the Liberia Business Association, the Liberian Chamber of Commerce, the Liberian Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and COLINBO) on Thursday, March 13, at 2:00 p.m. in the Cecil Dennis Auditorium at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  

Government wants to stress that the Amended Act submitted to the Legislature is an attempt to ensure that the business environment is equitable, while also creating external mechanisms that will empower Liberian businesses, such as the Margin of Preference (MOP), which when finalized will reserve a percentage of government contracts to Liberian owned businesses, and the Bob Johnson $30 million fund which will provide loans of up to $1 million USD to Liberian entrepreneurs.

Government recognizes that a vibrant private sector supported by direct foreign investment is crucial to rapid economic growth. It submitted the Amended Act to ensure consistency with international best practices; create a market based economy to encourage private enterprise through a transparent, equitable and non-discriminatory legal framework for investment; expand international trade relations; and broaden Liberia’s international economic cooperation.

Members of the press are invited to attend the Thursday consultation with the business community.

Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) Naming Competition Launched

The Liberian government has launched a naming competition for the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) . The competition will allow Liberians in the 15 counties to decide not only the scope of their development plan, but also the conceptual framework for describing that vision and its policies and programs in a unique slogan or phrase that is unique to Liberia.

Participants are asked sms entries to 05 756 218, 04 914 117, 06 658 012 or 077 976 416; e-mail entries to prsliberia@yahoo.com; or deliver entries to their respective county superintendent offices.

Entries should include the participant’s name, phone number, affiliation, suggested name for the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS), and an explanation of that name.

One Grand Prize entry will be chosen by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and the winner will be given a $1,000 USD cash prize. Also, consolation prizes will be awarded to the top 10 entries.

In July 2008, Liberia will launch a PRS which outlines policies and programs to enhance national security, increase economic growth, strengthen governance and rule of law, and develop infrastructure while providing basic services.

The Second Draft of Liberia’s Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) is now available for review on the Executive Mansion site (www.emansion.gov.lr) as well as the Ministry of Finance website (http://www.mofliberia.org/).